Tom Brady says farewell: NFL community reacts to legendary QB officially announcing his retirement

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Tom Brady says farewell: NFL community reacts to legendary QB officially announcing his retirement

Published: Feb 01, 2022 at 10:37 AM

NFL.com

Tom Brady's lengthy and legendary career has officially come to an end, and notable figures from around the world are paying tribute to the iconic quarterback's farewell.

The 44-year-old Brady announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 22 professional seasons, leaving behind a legacy that made him one of the most prolific names in all of sport.

Brady spent 20 years with the New England Patriots and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning seven Super Bowls, three league MVPs and five Super Bowl MVPs in the process. He also played with and against countless players from multiple generations in that span.

Below is a selection of the reaction to Brady's retirement from the future Hall of Famer's teammates, adversaries and admirers:

Statement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

"Tom Brady will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play in the NFL. An incredible competitor and leader, his stellar career is remarkable for its longevity but also for the sustained excellence he displayed year after year. Tom made everyone around him better and always seemed to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments. His record five Super Bowl MVP awards and seven Super Bowl championships set a standard that players will chase for years. He inspired fans in New England, Tampa and around the world with one of the greatest careers in NFL history. It has been a privilege to watch him compete and have him in the NFL. We thank him for his many contributions to our game and wish Tom and his family all the best in the future."

Thank you, .

For 22 years, you inspired millions. Through your hard work, healthy habits, and winning mindset, you proved time and time again that you can do anything you want no matter your age, ability, or even draft number.

The best is yet to come... .
— TB12sports (@TB12sports)

"He set a standard and helped create a culture that took our team to the mountaintop."

-
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers)

A privilege to watch and a dream come true.

Statement from Robert Kraft on Tom Brady:
— New England Patriots (@Patriots)

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht on two seasons with Tom Brady

"It was the most rewarding two years that I can imagine. More rewarding would've been two Super Bowls, but the fact that we won a Super Bowl and then this year we had the best record in the league along with the Packers, it was just something that you couldn't draw up. It's something that will be talked about for generations. Also for me to see whenever I'm in different parts of the country, to see people with Buccaneer jerseys, to see young kids wearing Tom Brady jerseys, I think it's just an unbelievable fairy tale story that we will be talking about forever."

“It was an honor and a privilege to compete against him on the field.” - Peyton Manning on

(via )
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)

It was quite the ride.

Thank you and congratulations, .
— New England Patriots (@Patriots)

Forever a part of Buccaneers history.

Thank you for everything, . 🙏
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers)

Thank you for the memories, ! Congratulations on an incredible career. We’ve enjoyed having you play here in Tampa these last couple years.
— City of Tampa (@CityofTampa)

With the news of 's retirement today, he would first be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2027. |
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF)

Congrats on your retirement Tom.
— Eli Manning (@EliManning)

When I think about Tom Brady, he’s a true winner who handled himself with class throughout his entire career.

Even with those seven Super Bowl rings, he never lost that competitive fire to be the best.

Congratulations, , on a tremendous career!
— John Elway (@johnelway)

Thank you for 22 years that gave us 7 Super Bowls, several broken records, and making every teammate you played with better. That’s why you are the GOAT (& I normally don’t say anything good about Wolverines lol!).
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)

"It was an honor and a privilege to share 19 years together with Tom in New England and I'm a better person for having been around him."

GM Nick Caserio on .
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans)

Very proud of my friend . You inspired us all with your work ethic and passion. Congrats pal.
— Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney)

Congrats to the Greatest. #12
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson)

I think I can officially do this.. When the time comes, When you know you know.. Congrats on the greatest career the has ever seen!! All love
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson)

The best QB of all time retired, DANG… he threw his last TD on me 😂
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey)

Congratulations on the career of all careers, .

We were honored to have been in your division so long to watch your greatness first hand.

(JK we’re still getting over it.)
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills)

Often times it’s hard to face the reality that the greats will one day hang it up. Hell of a career. Will be interesting to see where his professional life goes from here.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr)

The Greatest enjoy retirement 💯
— The Gilly Lock (@BumpNrunGilm0re)

Congrats on an amazing 22-year career. 7 Super Bowls (wish it was 6) and countless other records will be hard for anyone to pass. (1/2)
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02)

Amazing career Tom Brady!!
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12)

Congrats and thank you for the journey you have taken us on . It’s been inspiring in so many ways. 🍻 to the 7X club.
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson)

Congrats Tom ✊🏾
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr)

1:1. Thank you . You did it the right way, and it showed. Enjoy the next chapter in your life.
— David Bakhtiari (@DavidBakhtiari)

Congrats Tommy Boyyyyyyy! Elite!
— Kyle Van Noy (@KVN_03)

Congratulations , greatest to ever do it 🐐 Awesome watching you the last 22 years. Good luck on the next season and journey!
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow)

On Brady: an unparalleled career. What sticks out to me most is how he changed expectations for how we think of QBs. That what he did is attainable for anyone. He turned QB into what MJ did, everyone’s chasing + judged by his rings. AND he has career longevity. Simply the best.
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71)

The 🐐
— Mark Sanchez (@Mark_Sanchez)

But seriously, congrats on a first-ballot, Hall of Fame career, .

We may not miss seeing you on the field, but the entire football world will.
— New York Jets (@nyjets)

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